Would you do the swap? (and why?)

[Ahheck01]

I have the opportunity to start with a bone-stock 1990 325i 4dr in immaculate condition. While planning modifications, new wheels, etc., one decision I face is whether or not to do the 5-lug conversion.

The poll asks - would you do it in my position?

What is the point? Is the only advantage wheel options? I plan on doing the following suspension:

Shocks/Springs: H&R Sports/Koni Yellows
Sways: Suspension Techniques Sway Bars with Reinforcement Kit
Strut bar: IE Front Strut Brace
Camber plates: Vorshlag e30 plates
Other: Treehouse Racing Eyeball bushings, IE Subframe Bushings

Should I do it, and why?

-Evan

[ldsbeaker]

I wouldn't. There are plenty of nice 4 lug wheels out there. It's not really like 5 lug is going to open up better tire/wheel fitment options up for you.
There are also BBK's that you can purchase for 4 lug that will more than compensate for any kind of power upgrades you do.
I thought it might be cool at one time, but have since changed my mind.

[Jean]

I considered it before with a lack of affordable bbk, but not anymore.

[Mr Deagle]

Im doing the 5 lug for the abundance of cheap, high quality oem wheels, that dont look rice

[cecat90]

if you do a five lug the only wheels i would do it for are the BMW E46 M3 CSL wheels, they are so clean, but by the time you do the whole conversion and buy the wheels, you are putting in to much money

[erik325i]

You never mentioned what you plan on using the car for.
Is it going to be a track rat, or just a DD? If it's a daily driver, and you are only doing it for the rims, than I would say not to do it.
If it's a track car, and you are doing it for the larger brakes, wheelbearings, and the wheel selection, then maybe.

-Erik

[whiltebeitel]

What about engine conversions and the like? could you swap in the halfsafts and diff of a M Z3 to better handle the power?

[erik325i]

What about engine conversions and the like? could you swap in the halfsafts and diff of a M Z3 to better handle the power?

Yes you could

[whiltebeitel]

But is it effective? That is what i'm asking. Mabye this question needs it's own thread...

[Mike325]

The 5-lug swap was mainly for better brakes and wheels. Now we can get brakes for 4-lug e30s that are just as good as a 5-lug set up. It seems that most people want to do the swap for the wheel selection. You can get dead sexy wheels for a 4-lug. I think that most people just don't know where to look.

[Ahheck01]

The 5-lug swap was mainly for better brakes and wheels. Now we can get brakes for 4-lug e30s that are just as good as a 5-lug set up. It seems that most people want to do the swap for the wheel selection. You can get dead sexy wheels for a 4-lug. I think that most people just don't know where to look.

Okay, I'll bite... so where do I look?

-Evan

[Mike325]

Massive Lee on this site is a great source for BBK's.

[FredK]

I believe he was asking, where does he look for dead sexy 4 lug wheels.

[Mike325]

I believe he was asking, where does he look for dead sexy 4 lug wheels.

Oh, well I forget. You will have to do a search. They ain't cheap though. Well, most are not cheap.

[FredK]

Mike, I did a search for dead sexy wheels and I didn't find any.